The Foscam C1 is a discreet security camera that manages to pack an impressive number of features into an affordable DIY solution.

Though this device is supported by plastic mounting hinges that feel a little flimsy, it doesn’t hinder the device’s movement.

The C1 has a fisheye-shaped lens, which gives it 115º of horizontal vision and a generous vertical field of view that makes the picture area fractionally bigger than some other network cameras we’ve tested.

Foscam offers a standard 1,280 x 720-pixel video but the 1MP camera delivers above-average picture quality and was noticeably better at capturing motion than a number of more expensive alternatives, including Belkin’s Netcam HD+, which we also tested for this review.

The C1’s motion capture does diminish somewhat when it’s also recording video (rather than streaming it), but even then, in daylight, the camera still performs better than most.

The motion sensor is good, has a number of useful sensitivity and parameter settings, and allows you to be notified directly through a phone alert if motion is detected, rather than spamming you with emails.

You can’t subscribe to Foscam’s cloud-based recording service in Australia yet (which lets you save videos directly online), but the C1 does have a microSD card slot that will be able to store footage.

The night vision isn’t very good, however. Videos are low on detail, making it difficult to make things out. Provided you’re using it in well-lit areas though, the C1 punches well above its price point.

Verdict:
A good-performing, inexpensive security camera, but one that’s not great for night-time use.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
 

For more information, please visit http://www.aceperipherals.com/brands/foscam/c1-black.

Credit: http://apcmag.com by Joel Burgess